Lead 3D Animator

Role Overview

Aetherframe Studios is recruiting a Lead 3D Animator for Wings of Ash, an independent feature-length dark fantasy animated film currently in pre-production.

We are looking for an experienced animator who can lead the character animation department, coordinate team members, and maintain consistent animation quality throughout production.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the 3D animation team.

• Assign animation shots and tasks to team members.

• Review submitted animations and provide constructive feedback.

• Ensure consistency in character movement, acting, timing, and animation quality.

• Help animators resolve technical and creative challenges.

• Coordinate with storyboard artists, layout artists, riggers, and the director.

• Track assignments, deadlines, dependencies, and revisions in ClickUp.

• Animate selected shots when necessary.

• Submit completed work for final approval by the director.

Requirements

• Strong experience in 3D character animation.

• Proficiency in Blender or comparable 3D animation software.

• Good understanding of animation principles, body mechanics, and character acting.

• Leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

• Ability to organize tasks and provide useful feedback.

• Reliability and willingness to collaborate.

Preferred

• Previous experience leading an animation team.

• Experience animating fantasy creatures, wings, and flight sequences.

• Familiarity with collaborative animation production pipelines.

Application

Please provide an animation demo reel or portfolio, relevant experience, any previous leadership experience, and approximate weekly availability.

Compensation

Deferred profit sharing. No upfront payment or guaranteed earnings. Future compensation depends on distributable profits and separately agreed written terms.

Production Stage: Pre-production. Active animation work will begin once the necessary production assets and layouts are ready.